Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Banet.
Hi Nicole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From an early age, I’ve always been drawn to photography—capturing moments, emotions, and the beauty in everyday life. Growing up, I was often told I had a natural “eye” for photography, but it wasn’t until high school that that passion truly came to life. My dad gifted me my first camera, and I spent my time exploring Albuquerque, New Mexico—photographing friends around the city and in the Sandia Mountains. What started as casual shoots quickly turned into taking graduation, prom, and homecoming photos, giving me my first real experience behind the lens.
During high school, I also took a photography class where I learned the fundamentals of both digital and film photography, even developing my own film in the darkroom—an experience that deepened my appreciation for the art and process.
After graduating, I moved to Texas and began working for Envoy Air, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines. My career allowed me to travel across the United States, and I brought my camera everywhere I went, capturing new places and experiences. Around this time, I upgraded to a newer Canon DSLR camera, which elevated both my skill and creativity.
Photography became even more personal when I met my husband, who was playing in a professional independent baseball league at the time. I began photographing him and his team, traveling to cities like Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and Kansas City. That’s where my passion for sports photography truly took off—I fell in love with the fast pace, the energy, and the challenge of capturing split-second moments that tell powerful stories.
Recently, I’ve expanded my work to include portraits and weddings, taking a more serious step into building my photography business. While I enjoy capturing life’s most meaningful milestones, sports photography remains my greatest passion.
My ultimate goal is to turn this passion into a full-time career and one day open my own photography studio—creating a space where I can continue telling stories through my lens and connecting with people through meaningful, lasting images.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges I faced was while traveling in San Francisco. While I was out exploring, someone broke into my friend’s car and stole my backpack. Inside were personal belongings, my wallet, and most importantly, my first DSLR camera—a Canon DSLR camera that my dad had gifted me.
That camera meant a lot to me because it was my first real step into photography, so losing it was incredibly upsetting. It felt like losing a piece of my journey and something that held a lot of sentimental value.
At the same time, that experience taught me resilience. I was grateful I didn’t have my full camera bag with me, and it pushed me to keep going, reinvest in my equipment, and not let the setback stop me from pursuing something I love. If anything, it made me even more determined to continue growing as a photographer.
As you know, we’re big fans of Nicole Banet Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Nicole Banet Photography, my work is rooted in capturing real, meaningful moments with authenticity and energy. I’m primarily known for sports photography—that’s where my passion truly shines. I love the fast-paced, high-action environment and the challenge of freezing those powerful, split-second moments that tell a story.
At the same time, I’m continuing to grow my brand by expanding into portrait and wedding photography. I enjoy being able to capture both the intensity of sports and the emotion and connection found in personal milestones. My goal is to build a well-rounded business that serves clients across multiple types of sessions.
What really sets me apart is the connection I build with people. I don’t just show up to take photos—I take the time to get to know my clients, their background, and their story. That relationship allows me to capture them in a more genuine and meaningful way, which I believe shows through in my work.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how much my business has grown through word-of-mouth and genuine connections. I offer a referral program because I truly value the trust my clients place in me, and it’s been amazing to see my business grow organically through those recommendations.
I want readers to know that when they book with me, they’re getting more than just photos—they’re getting an experience. Whether it’s on the field, during a portrait session, or on a wedding day, I aim to create images that feel personal, natural, and lasting.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I want to continue growing my brand into something known for storytelling and genuine connection. I plan to expand further into portraits and weddings while staying rooted in sports photography, which is my passion.
I’d also love to work with larger teams, athletes, and brands, and eventually cover bigger sporting events. Long-term, I hope to not only build a successful business, but also inspire and mentor others starting out in photography.
Pricing:
- Mini shoots $125
- Family portraits $200
- Event photography $100/hour
- Wedding starts at $600
- Sports games start at $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nicolebanetphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banetnphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18jR81sNKV/
